Health Tip: Breast-feeding With Diabetes

You'll burn more calories

Related Encyclopedia • Addison's Disease • Amenorrhea • Amniocentesis • Amniocentesis and CVS More... Related Healthscout Videos From Belly to Breast: Rebuilding After Cancer Laser Surgery Saves Twins Removing Tumors Through the Nose How Do I Find a Good Bra Post-Mastectomy? More... Related Animations • Breast Reduction • Breast Self-Exam Video • Diabetes • Erectile Dysfunction More... Related Drug Information • Actonel • Actos • Amaryl • Avandamet More... Related News Articles • Health Tip: Having Diabetes Can Hurt Your Eyes • Dramatic Decline Seen in AIDS News Coverage • Depression Screening Urged for Young Women With Menopause-Like Symptoms • Common Epilepsy Drug Taken During Pregnancy Might Raise Spina Bifida Risk More...

(HealthDay News) -- Following pregnancy, diabetic women need to continue careful monitoring of their blood glucose levels as their bodies adjust to postpartum hormonal changes, disturbed sleep and other changes in the daily routine.

Text Continues Below

---

The American Diabetes Association says breast-feeding can make it more difficult to manage blood glucose. It offers these suggestions:

• Make sure you have something to eat before you nurse or while you're nursing.
• Drink plenty of fluids each day. It's a good idea to drink water or another non-caffeinated drink while nursing.
• Keep something to counter low blood glucose next to you while you nurse, so you don't have to interrupt baby's meal if your blood glucose becomes low.
• Work with your dietitian and your doctor to adjust your diet plan while breast-feeding, which does burn calories and can affect blood glucose.

-- Diana Kohnle